Chevrolet Cobalt Problems and Repair Histories
Chevrolet Cobalt problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Chevrolet Cobalt
Chevrolet Cobalt Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2009 | Chevrolet Cobalt | 28 Cobalts, 8.8 months of data per Cobalt, average 40200 miles39 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs |
| 2008 | Chevrolet Cobalt | 19 Cobalts, 9.4 months of data per Cobalt, average 58200 miles Small sample size. Join or 19 Cobalts, 9.4 months of data per Cobalt, average 58200 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs | |
| 2007 | Chevrolet Cobalt | 26 Cobalts, 9.1 months of data per Cobalt, average 79000 miles41 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs |
| 2006 | Chevrolet Cobalt | 18 Cobalts, 9.8 months of data per Cobalt, average 67400 miles Small sample size. Join or 18 Cobalts, 9.8 months of data per Cobalt, average 67400 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs |
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 4dr Sedan
155-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 2000 | Check engine light came on. Dealer did a valve job at 18000 miles. | |
| Mar | 2012 | 2800 | Valve job done at dealer, under warranty. | |
| Jun | 2012 | 2300 | Replaced head. | |
| Aug | 2012 | 1300 | Expansion pipe off the engine cracked, needed replacement. | |
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 260hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 0 | Check engine light came on; smelled burning plastic. Dealer read OBD2 code for emissions system malfunction. Could not diagnose, reset computer. | |
| Nov | 2010 | 0 | Engine Light on. Returned to dealer. OBD2 error code for emissions malfunction. Replaced melted emissions line from muffler to motor, installed heat shield that was not installed at the factory. | |
| Mar | 2011 | 0 | With parking brake engaged on incline, car would drift backwards. Braking distance increased. Rear brake calipers and replaced under warranty. | |
| Nov | 2011 | 0 | After rain, engine idled roughly, shaking the entire car, tachometer jumping erratically when idling. Dealer found no codes, could not replicate problem. | |
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
155-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 0 | Wind noise on passenger door at speeds over 100 kph. Dealer reshaped weatherstripping around door. | |
| Sep | 2010 | 0 | Intermediate shaft replaced under warranty to correct thunk noise at center and loose steering feel. Right front clunk under load mentioned. Squeak/grind/thunk noise under load from front right corner. Dealer replaced control arm bushings on both sides. | |
| Nov | 2010 | 0 | Steering thunk returned, clutch pedal loudly squeaking in top half of travel. Dealer inspected and lubricated steering and clutch spring. Resolved. | |
| Jun | 2011 | 0 | Steering thunk returns. Dealer replaced steering gear. | |
| Jul | 2011 | 0 | Steering thunk not resolved by last repair; still occurs at low speed. Dealer ordered another steering gear. | |
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
155-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 0 | Door seal was not fitted correctly. Replaced under warranty by GM dealership. | |
| Jan | 2012 | 0 | Noticed rattling and clunking during some maneuvering. Took it back to the dealership who advised that it was a problem with the steering column. GM dealership replaced the steering column under warranty. | |
| Apr | 2012 | 0 | Gear shift button came off in my hand. A plastic latch had broken off. Replaced under warranty. | |
| May | 2012 | 0 | Vehicle made clunking noises when driving over speed bumps/uneven road surface. Dealership investigated and noticed premature wear of the front lower control arm bushings. Replaced under warranty. | |
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 4dr Sedan
155-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 29000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 30000 | 300 | turn signal not returning to off position |
| Aug | 2012 | 51700 | 269 | cam position actuator replacement |
| Mar | 2013 | 59000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 260hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 1240 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 3720 | 0 | ECM failure. Don't know why or how, probably just defective from the factory. Car threw a CEL and later, after 10 kms it started to sputter and rev at unusual idle levels and it was also in "limp" mode. Threw 9 codes at the dealer; they determined ECM |
| Jun | 2011 | 23560 | 0 | Passenger air bag malfunction light on; had to replace passenger side seat belt assembly. Right headlight had condensation inside of it since Day 1; informed this dealer about it, and they happily replaced it free of charge. Some dealers are better than others :) |
| Aug | 2011 | 27280 | 0 | Mass absolute pressure sensor failure.... new part installed, no recurring problems. |
| Nov | 2011 | 30380 | 4300 | Weak valve springs happened twice.. 1st time under warranty, 2nd time was on my own bill but I upgraded to an entirely new upgraded head, so the problem will NOT return. |
| Dec | 2012 | 37200 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 4960 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 5580 | 0 | Window/door rattle, clicking noise from window motor |
| Jul | 2009 | 5580 | 0 | Paint was coming off at the bottom inside portion of both doors where they meet the weather stripping. the door striker is broken |
| Sep | 2011 | 32860 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Cobalt in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 1000 | 0 | headlight housing was not sealed. condensation on inside of housing. they replaced entire assembly |
| Feb | 2010 | 7000 | 0 | Airbag Warning light stayed on. Only came on when there was a front seat passenger. Dealer replaced entire front passenger seatbelt and latch assembly. Some sensor in there was triggering the airbag light to stay on. |
| Mar | 2010 | 8000 | 0 | Brakes really started squealing at 5000 miles. During tire rotation, I noticed 2 really deep grooves cut into back of driver side rear rotor. They admitted that was bad. Had rotor turned but didn't fix loud squeak. Told that was normal. HA!! |
| May | 2011 | 22000 | 0 | I noticed a vibration in wheel when going over bumps while cornering. Was told my steering rack was worn out at 21000 miles. WTF? They replaced the rack and parts in the steering column. Very tight steering now. Clutch pedal started groaning/squeaking when letting it out. They lubed the pedal pivot point but squeak/groan was back the next day. Just living with it now. |
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Nevada, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2009 | 1000 | 0 | Inside door handle chrome was flaking |
| Mar | 2010 | 3000 | 0 | Cold air duct was rerouted |
| Jan | 2011 | 8000 | 0 | Excessive noise while sunroof is closed |
| Jan | 2012 | 12000 | 0 | Sunroof closed. Too much wind noise. They installed a TSB which included new shorter bolts Service air system light came on. |
| Mar | 2013 | 22000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008.5 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 260hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 9000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 10000 | 0 | Sunroof leaks due to clogged drainage tubes. Leak significant - dripping down interior rear walls. Repair 'completed.' Or so they said. It lasted until the next time it rained. Previous 'repair' did not fix problem. Water intrusion so bad, trunk held water and fiberboard over spare tire had mold/mildew growing. Rear seats pulled, entire interior of car 'blow dried,' and mildew treated, entire trunk area carpets/padding pulled. |
| Dec | 2010 | 28000 | 0 | On cold mornings, gear shift won't shift out of first or second gear until car warms up (won't shift to right). Shop could not replicate. Seems an issue similar to cold mornings where the window won't roll down - condensation freezing. |
| Mar | 2013 | 43000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt 4dr Sedan
148-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 15000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 20000 | 0 | Rear driver side power window inop. |
| Dec | 2009 | 25000 | 0 | Replaced power window switch on driver door. Replaced ignition switch. Hard to operate. |
| Aug | 2011 | 62000 | 0 | Alarm went off intermittently for no reason. Replaced key fob because of a short. |
| Feb | 2012 | 70000 | 112 | Battery was dead on a cold morning. Would not turn car engine over. |
| Mar | 2013 | 87000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 12400 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2009 | 13920 | 0 | Rattle sound in steering column revealed too much play in steering gears- steering column replaced under warranty. |
| Mar | 2009 | 14880 | 0 | Steering Column replaced to remedy rattling noise. |
| Sep | 2009 | 19840 | 0 | Rear Drivers Power Window Still Intermittent Nonop. Not Fixed still. |
| Feb | 2010 | 23560 | 0 | Rattle in Steering Column caused by backlash in steering gears as per GM TSB. This is a common problem on the G5, Cobalt, Pursuit, HHR, and G6s. Second time the problem arose in this car and the second time the entire steering column was replaced Defective Wiring Harness for Driver's Side back door was going in and out. Part ordered from factory in Lordstown Ohio and not installed. Sound in blower motor indicated it was on the way out, dealership replaced motor. Passenger door panel making a bad squeak and rattle during normal use and driving conditions. Panel removed and re-attached with new fasteners. Turn signal wasn't going off when wheel returned to normal position; turn signal relay replaced. |
| Apr | 2010 | 24180 | 0 | Automatic Transmission shift knob button broke off. Dealer replaced assembly under warranty. |
| Oct | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
171-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Rhode Island, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 4000 | 0 | Bad Synchros on 3rd and 4th gear (manual trans). Gears and syncros repaired under warranty. |
| Sep | 2012 | 35000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
148-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 23000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 25000 | 0 | One Tire pressure sensor stopped working. |
| Jan | 2012 | 90000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
148-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 3000 | 0 | Replaced upper dash trim panel due to cosmetic defect. |
| Jun | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt 4dr Sedan
148-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2007 | 1000 | 0 | Vehicle was jumping when downshifting from 2nd to 1st gear and slipping going from 1st to 2nd gear. vehicle was drifting while parked and engine off. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
supercharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 4000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2007 | 7000 | 0 | The audio system amplifier stopped working, resulting in no sound, and was repaired under factory warranty. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
148-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 6000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2007 | 10000 | 0 | Crank Angle Sensor leading to CEL and Tach failure. Crank Angle Sensor resulting in CEL and Tach failure. |
| Feb | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
148-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 3000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 7000 | 0 | Passenger side seat slider control broke off and the dealership replaced part. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt 2-door
4-cylinder manual 2WD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 8000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2008 | 10000 | 0 | Water was leaking into rear-passenger seat floor. Dealer took 4 days of water testing and FINALLY concluded that there seemed to be a leak in the door seal. Parts order and car went back into shop March 6th (will record results in March) |
| Oct | 2009 | 28000 | 390 | Water still leaking from passenger door into car. Dealer (Multi Chevrolet, Springfield NJ) charged excessive amounts for water test, replaced seal around door. Problem was NOT fixed, went to Chevy to file a complaint |
| Jan | 2010 | 30000 | 0 | Dealer (Richard Lucas Chevrolet, Avenel, NJ) found that water was leaking heavily into the door. They believe the protective panel on the door was installed improperly at the factory. Resealed this, and seems fixed. No charge though out of warranty. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt 4dr Sedan
171-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2006 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2006 | 6000 | 0 | Sunroof leak |
| Mar | 2007 | 11000 | 0 | Leaking sun roof. Brake rotor needed to be turned for the second time because of braking vibration |
| Apr | 2007 | 13000 | 0 | Replaced glove box door due to damage and rattle. Also repaired leaking sunroof. This is the 4 time on the sunroof repair. The leak has not returned to date. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Cobalt in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2006 | 9000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2007 | 22000 | 0 | Passenger side rear door had a bad rattle. Turned out that one of the mounting bolts came loose. |
| Jul | 2008 | 54000 | 0 | Brakes randomly engaged when driving. Turned out to be a rubber piece between the brake assembly and the engagement switch. |
| Oct | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt 4dr Sedan
145-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2006 | 5580 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2008 | 20460 | 0 | Two worn out control links both passenger and driver side. Broken bushing passenger side |
| Sep | 2008 | 24180 | 0 | Defective bushing on driver side. |
| Jan | 2009 | 26660 | 0 | Remote key fob failed, replaced. |
| Feb | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt 4dr Sedan
145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2006 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2006 | 10000 | 0 | Email 2-8-2007: Took car to dealer to try to find a hesitation problem that I have had at stop lights. It just feels like the car misses a beat once and a while. Dealer found nothing wrong. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt 2-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2006 | 22000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2007 | 25000 | 0 | The car would shut off if the keys were barely touched while running. It required a replacement part, no charge. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 4dr Sedan
145-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 39000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2008 | 41000 | 15 | Engine light diagnosed as fuel system problem/lean. Added 64 oz. mineral spirits to full tank of gas. Presently waiting for light to go out(mineral spirits are same as injector cleaner). |
| May | 2008 | 45000 | 0 | Engine Light went out in April with no further repairs. |
| Dec | 2008 | 55000 | 0 | Air conditioner does not work, intermittantly. Could not find any problem, ocasionally fails to work, and then works. Recharged. |
| Jun | 2009 | 64000 | 1 | Air conditioning not getting cold, intermittently. |
| Sep | 2010 | 76000 | 30 | Door locks not working, lubed and repaired |
| Apr | 2011 | 83000 | 121 | Engine light on. code said O2 sensor. replaced and light stays off. |
| Dec | 2011 | 99000 | 230 | Front brakes making noise. Left front piston side pad worn resulting in metal to rotor contact. Replaced both rotors and pads with ceramic pads and middle-line rotors. |
| Jun | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 4dr Sedan
145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 54000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 59000 | 85 | Check engine light was on they said it was due to the knock sensor needing to be reprogrammed and the "evap vent solenoid" needed to be replaced. I have not noticed any change in mileage or performance so I decided to not pay the $300+ they quoted me ... |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
supercharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2007 | 15000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2007 | 17000 | 0 | Broken cv joint - Fixed under Warrenty. The car was abused while someone test drove it before I bought it. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
145-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 64000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 103000 | 247 | Car wouldnt start one morning. Took off the coils and removed the boots and saw that cylinders 2 and 3 werent firing. Replaced the coil packs and the ignition control module and its been riding smooth since. |
| Mar | 2013 | 205000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Coupe
145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Cobalt in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2006 | 0 | Heater made weird noises. Blower motor was replaced under warranty. | |
| Jan | 2007 | 0 | Key got stuck in ignition and would not come out. Replaced shifter. | |
| Feb | 2007 | 0 | Doors are supposed to lock automatically when the car is put in gear. They stopped doing this. Computer was reprogrammed to fix the problem. | |
| Oct | 2007 | 29000 | 0 | Brakes made a funny noise, shop could not replicate the problem, so nothing was fixed - brakes still make a funny noise. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
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What People Are Saying about Problems with the Chevrolet Cobalt
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